Federal Tracking Program Tries to Avoid Commercial Truck Accidents

March 4, 2019March 4, 2019

If you’re the average driver in greater El Paso, the term Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) may not ring a bell in terms of road safety. The CSA is a tracking program orchestrated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and applies to large commercial vehicles and trucking companies.

Under this program, each fleet is given a score based on their compliance with safety standards. When a federal safety violation is committed, points are issued. If a fleet receives too many points, it may prompt an investigation by the FMCSA.

Dangerous driving habits

A fleet may receive a maximum of 10 points per violation. On the upper end of the point scale, common driver violations include:

Driving recklessly

Exceeding the speed limit by 15 m.p.h. or more

Driving too fast in construction zones

Continuing to operate a vehicle after being declared out of service

Drug possession

Drug impairment

On the lower end of the point system, violations include:

Ignoring traffic signals or traffic control devices

Following too close to another vehicle

Improper passing or lane changing

Failing to yield the right-of-way

Driving on an interstate while under age 21

Not being physically qualified for the job

Contributory violations

While safety violations caused by dangerous driving habits may be primary factors in truck accidents, omission to provide required records, logs, paperwork, and vehicle maintenance can contribute to a crash and leave fingerprints of negligence.

These violations include:

E-log and electronic on-board computer violations

Hours of service violations

Inaccurate or falsified paperwork

Failure to maintain and inspect vehicles

Injured in a truck accident? An attorney can help you build a strong claim.

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, the information found in the fleet’s CSA scores may provide a basis for your claim. While these scores are not available for public access, your attorney may issue a subpoena to obtain them from the FMCSA.

The records found in a CSA score may document that a truck driver or fleet owner had a history of violating safety regulations. For example, if a trucking company was scrutinized for failing to maintain its vehicle, or was under investigation by the FMCSA, that evidence may be used to support your claim.

Additionally, the trucking company may have had a history of hiring inexperienced and unqualified drivers and/or falsifying records.

Dealing with a truck accident claim can be an overwhelming and complex process with multiple parties and insurers involved. That’s why it’s critical that you consult with an experienced El Paso truck accident attorney with a proven track record of helping injured motorists obtain compensation.